Food itinerary: Griffintown
Experience the buzz of Griffintown as you explore its cafés, bakeries, restaurants and other gourmet stops. Here are our top picks for where to eat in the neighbourhood!
Griffintown
Departure point: Bonaventure métro station
Distance: 4.7 kilometres
Where you can stop to enjoy your snack: On the banks of the Lachine Canal
Mano Cornuto
Hands down, Mano Cornuto is Griffintown’s hippest Italian coffee shop. Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee in the morning, a schiacciata classico at noon or a salad and tapas-style dishes with a glass of natural wine later in the day, you’re always guaranteed a festive mood. This neighbourhood hotspot is sizzling!
What to order: The Schiacciata classico and a Caesar salad. Try the coffee too – it’s totally delish!
988 Ottawa Street
La Bête à Pain
Hmm, let’s see… will it be a ham sandwich, a croissant, a yummy loaf of bread or some of the many other delights that tempt your taste buds? La Bête à Pain has become a hugely popular spot with the people of the neighbourhood. A word of caution, though: don’t go there on an empty stomach, because with its vast selection of breads, pastries, sandwiches and other gourmet creations, you might want to bring one of everything home with you!
What to order: A ham sandwich, a dessert and the Levain bread for chez vous.
195 Young Street
Le Trou Bagel
What would Montréal be without its bagels? Or, for that matter, what would Griffintown be without its bagels? Opened in 2019 by a lovely couple who clearly saw the need for this Montréal staple in the city’s south end, Le Trou captured the hearts of the people of this neighbourhood and it has even attracted fans from adjacent districts. Though tiny, this little shop packs a big punch, from the gorgeous fresco that greets you the minute you walk through the door to the open kitchen, where you watch bagels being expertly fashioned. Sink your teeth into one of its many tasty varieties!
What to order: A half a dozen bagels, a container of cream cheese, a pack of artisanal smoked salmon (from Charlevoix) to enjoy at home, plus a half-dozen stuffed bagel holes for the road.
1845 William Street
Café GotSoul
This café is not only for coffee lovers, but music lovers too. Owner Jojo Flores wanted to recreate the cool vibe of a listening café like those you find London or New York. And with summer temperatures rising, he’ll be heating things up as he spins on his turntable. If you’re an audiophile, you definitely want to check out his extensive collection of vinyls.
What to order: A coffee and some treats inspired by the Philippines.
1970 Notre-Dame Street West
Richmond Italian Market
On your way back, be sure to stop by the Richmond Italian market to discover local and Italian artisanal products. Browse its wide range of imported gourmet goodies that range from tomato sauces to olive oils as well as the in-house chef’s creations.
What to order: A few fine products for your own cooking, some ready-to-eat dishes so you don’t have to cook for the next few days and a tiramisu.
333 Richmond Street
Grinder
A true meat-lover’s temple, Grinder is Griffintown’s go-to for premium beef. Think chic industrial décor, a lively atmosphere and the mouthwatering scent of grilled meat filling the air. Their beef — dry-aged on-site in their own butcher shop — is handled with expert care. It’s the perfect spot to pick your cut and enjoy it cooked to perfection.
What to order: The hanger steak for one, or the côte de bœuf for two.
1708 Notre-Dame Street West
Brasseur de Montréal
If you have a beer lover in your midst, you’ll definitely want to check out Brasseur de Montréal. Relax with a cold one on its terrasse before setting out with a selection of your favourites.
What to order: A case of the “sélection du brasseur” (brewer’s choice) to really appreciate their masterclass brewing.
1485 Ottawa Street
Zibo! Griffintown
Grab a bite, California-style, at Zibo! Griffintown. Choose from crisp, vibrant salads to tender filet mignon, creamy mushroom pasta to thin-crust pizza, not to forget their famous key lime pie. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
What to order: Shrimp pogo, sesame-crusted tuna and key lime pie for dessert.
90 Peel Street
Bazart
Step away from the busy streets and into the sun-drenched world of Bazart, where the design and menu come together to evoke the Mediterranean — from the Greek islands to Ibiza. Enjoy wood-grilled meats, whole fish, fragrant mezzes and freshly baked pita in a lively setting that heats up as the evening goes on.
What to order: A variety of spreads with fresh bread, tuna tartare, fattoush salad, grilled octopus on fregola sarda and the grilled sea bass.
950 Ottawa Street
La Buvette du Dep
Any time of day, La Buvette du Dep welcomes you into its cozy, urban-chic setting. Mornings bring specialty coffees and artisanal treats, lunch features homemade grab-and-go meals, and evenings come alive with a curated apéro menu: local charcuterie and cheese, house gravlax, salads, thin-crust pizzas and shareable dishes. Signature cocktails, local beers and private-import wines complete the experience.
What to order: Breakfast sandwich, shepherd’s pie or their mac ’n’ cheese are absolute classics.
300 de la Montagne Street
Other suggestions for take-out or a drink: Foxy, Makro, Bird Bar, Shay, Candide.
Original article in French by Tommy Dion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Tommy Dion
Tommy is a journalist, food critic, and the founder of the blog and gourmet guide Le Cuisinomane, whose mission is to showcase Québec’s local products and gastronomy. With an in-depth knowledge of Montréal’s food scene, his expertise and professionalism make him a trusted source for all the best food spots and experiences in Montréal. In addition to tasting and writing about food, Tommy also creates content for brands, always related to food and gastronomy.